Eni, Q8 partner for construction of Priolo biorefinery in Sicily

Photo: Eni

Eni and Q8 Italy announced Feb. 3 a major strategic investment in the ongoing project for the construction of a new biorefinery in Priolo, Sicily.  

The transformation plan for the Versalis site in Priolo received formal approval from Eni and Kuwait Petroleum Corp.’s board of directors, which followed the official binding offer submitted by Q8. 

According to Eni, the joint project with Q8 Italy for the construction and subsequent industrial operation of the plant further strengthens the 30-year partnership between the two companies, which began with the Milazzo refinery in 1996. 

The project will draw on the consolidated industrial experience of both partners and will benefit from Eni’s specific technical and operational expertise in applying the Ecofining™ technology, which enables the conversion of waste, residues and vegetable oils into biofuels that can also be used in 100 percent pure form. 

The Priolo biorefinery will have a capacity of 500,000 metric tons per year and will offer extensive operational flexibility for the production of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), also known as renewable diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in order to meet market dynamics and demand.  

The new production of biofuels for road, marine and aviation transport will contribute, in line with EU objectives, to reduce at least 65 percent in greenhouse-gas emissions compared to the reference fossil mix. 

The project has completed the engineering phase.  

Preparatory activities for awarding procurement and construction contracts have begun.  

Demolition works required for the development of the new infrastructure are also about to start, according to Eni, and the authorization process has been launched. 

“Completion of the required authorizations and of positive finalization of the detailed contractual documentation and of the works is expected by the end of 2028,” Eni stated.  

The transformation plan for the Priolo industrial site, announced by Eni in October 2024 and confirmed by the agreement signed in March 2025 allows the current industrial site to be converted into a more sustainable long-term activity while supporting the objectives of both Eni and Enilive, which expects to have biorefining capacity of 5 million tons per year by 2030. 

“The transformation plan of the Priolo industrial site proves to be solid and sustainable and demonstrates the validity of the long-term vision that involves the conversion of loss-making basic chemical business into new competitive and more sustainable activities, which can contribute to the decarbonization of transport,” said Giuseppe Ricci, Eni’s chief operating officer for industrial transformation. “The transformation plan, which we announced in October 2024 and which was ratified by the agreement signed in March 2025 at the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy, will allow us to convert the industrial site in a more environmentally sustainable way, while protecting employment and skills.”  

Kuwait Petroleum International CEO Shafi Taleb Al Ajmi stated, “This project reflects Kuwait Petroleum Corp.’s commitment to advancing toward our 2050 energy-transition strategy. The investment marks our second megaproject with Eni in Sicily. It demonstrates the shared commitment of Q8 and Eni to excellence, innovation and strategic partnership, as well as our ongoing presence and confidence in the Italian energy sector. Furthermore, Q8 is dedicated to achieving our shareholders’ strategic objectives and diversifying our portfolio in accordance with KPC’s long-term vision. We are committed to establishing ourselves as a leading provider of sustainable mobility solutions for customers in the European market for years to come.”